Study of the Effects of Projectile Strength and Density in the Asteroid Deflection by Hypervelocity Impact

Abstract

Potentially dangerous asteroids (PHAs) are asteroids that have orbits approaching the Earth and are a threat to humankind. Among them, Apophis and Bennu have been attracting attention in recent years. It is necessary to prevent PHAs from impacting the Earth, so this study focuses on asteroid deflection by hypervelocity impact as an impact avoidance. In this method, a projectile such as a spacecraft is impacted into a PHA at hypervelocity and its orbit will be changed. This method is considered to be the best method because it can achieve asteroid deflection instantaneously and it will cause less secondary disasters by asteroid split.